Excessive screen time poses health risks; experts advise age-appropriate limits

Mangaluru, Sep 5: In today’s digital age, spending even a day without mobile phones, laptops and televisions has become almost impossible. From education to banking, entertainment and communication, people depend on screens for almost everything. However, spending a major part of the day looking at mobile screens can have serious adverse effects on health, and the issue needs attention.

According to health experts, the problem is not with digital devices themselves but with their excessive use. Continuously looking at screens can cause dry eyes, irritation, blurred vision and headaches. Sitting in the same posture for hours can lead to serious problems involving the neck, shoulders and back. Moreover, scrolling on mobile phones late into the night can severely affect the quality of sleep.

Children below two years of age should ideally be kept completely away from screens for any reason.

Children aged between two and five years should be allowed a maximum of one hour of screen time a day, preferably involving quality content.

For teenagers and adults, unnecessary social media scrolling should be curtailed, while recreational screen time should be limited to less than three hours a day.

To prevent eye strain, follow the ‘20-20-20 rule’. This means looking at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.

It is also advisable to avoid using mobile phones while eating and for one hour before going to bed. Using technology responsibly can help ensure a healthier and more peaceful life.